Universal Pictures promotes Kosse as president international

MUMBAI: Universal Pictures has promoted the company’s U.K.-based international distribution head David Kosse, to president, international.

Kosse built and has led the company’s international theatrical distribution efforts as the former president of Universal Pictures International (UPI), since its formation in 2007. In his new position, Kosse will play an enhanced strategic and leadership role in maximizing revenue and profit across Universal’s international divisions, including home entertainment, television and theatrical distribution.

Kosse will continue to run UPI and report to Shmuger and Linde.

Kosse will strategically guide Universal Pictures’ films through the lifetime of their release and capitalize on opportunities across traditional and new media platforms, thereby providing greater consistency and profitability. He’ll work closely with the president of Universal Pictures International Home Entertainment Eddie Cunningham who reports to vice chairman, Universal Pictures and executive vice president, Universal Studios Rick Finkelstein and president, international television distribution Belinda Menendez who reports to Finkelstein and President, NBCU International Pete Smith.

"David understands global markets better than anyone in our business and has been a primary reason for the success of UPI. This promotion is a much-deserved recognition of his enormous contributions to shaping and enhancing Universal’s international profile. As our company expands to become even more globally focused, his experience and steady hand will provide greater leadership across Universal’s film divisions," said Universal Pictures chairmen Marc Shmuger and David Linde.

Under Kosse’s leadership, UPI shepherded Universal two of its best years at the international box office. In 2008, international grosses increased by 67% over the previous year, with the 2008 total reaching $1.714 billion. This figure shattered 2007’s box-office total of $1.034 billion with huge successes including Mamma Mia!, which was embraced by audiences in massive numbers across the globe; the film grossed more than $459 million at the international box office and more than $600 million worldwide.

"I look forward to working with my colleagues in all of Universal’s international divisions to continue the success we’ve had in the past two years. This company recognizes the need to maintain a global focus and international concentration that capitalizes on the unique and ever-changing markets outside of the U.S. This new role will allow me to build on what we’ve done at UPI and give further support to my partners in home entertainment and television," said Kosse.